TOUGH STUFF...
Venus Williams playing with an injury is like Michael Jordan playing with the flu during the NBA Finals 1997. Suck it up, and play!
VIA NY TIMES. Carrying the Flag, Williams Struggles, but Wins. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/20/sports/tennis/20iht-TENNIS20.html?src=twrhp
A great Boxer should remain just that, a Boxer.
No doubt, Manny Pacquiao is a great fighter. An icon for the sport, and for Filipinos all across the globe -- especially for those in his native Philippines. Admiration for the athlete defies all races, classes, and creeds, from the wealthy, to the poor living in small impoverished barrios, the boxer is a man at the top of his game, whose entertainment value extends beyond the ring.
Looked upon as somewhat of a savior, "The People's Champ" with many believers and followers, he is perhaps comparable to that other guy, Jesus Christ. The man acts, sings, dances, throws punches with unmatched speed and accuracy. With all the fame, fortune, and success, why not take advantage of the opportunities that come along? After all, Pacquaio started from nothing, so why not make the most of it.
Getting into politics with bucket loads of money and fame, seems like a no-brainer in the Philippines, some would consider Pacquiao a fool if he didn't get involved in the government of his home country. Running for Congress seems like a logical step in his case, to flex his influence on the people hoping to bring an end to poverty and more opportunities for Filipinos. No doubt his intentions are true in wanting to lend a helping hand, which he could only do through politics, the Philippines isn't exactly known for pumping out highly educated, Politicians free from Dynasty-like (corrupt) political ties. If he gets involved with politics, he could be down a dark path.
I was watching an episode of HBO 24/7 preceding Pacquiao vs Cotto, and you could clearly see how easy Pacquaio became distracted by the allure of politics, by putting his training second, and his new political venture first. His trainer Freddie Roach expressed concern over it, and like a spoiled child being enticed by sweets, Pacquaio was easily malleable by the words of his political buddies during a private meeting. Then again, he sort of has to be (easily influenced), to get to where he is today in the boxing world, and pop-culture in general. Taking the advice of others has worked so far in his career.
A puppet for Nike, if Pacquiao were truly "for the people," then he would take the opportunity to speak out against sweatshops, and child labor in the Philippines, (Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Cambodia, India) rather than becoming the poster boy for one of the biggest sweatshop employers around, Nike.
You know you've made it big when Nike releases your own brand and line of clothing, shoes, and related apparel. Though, I must admit it is cool seeing a Filipino be so successful, with cool sneakers.
I don't know about you, but I wanna see more boxing from Manny Pacquiao and less of everything else.
I just wanted to take the time to acknowledge the awesomeness of Saturdays fight. I couldn't be any happier with the outcome of the Pacquiao/De La Hoya fight on Saturday. Amid all the naysayers, and doubters who believed that Manny did not have it in him to beat the much more experienced Oscar De La Hoya, I stood my ground along with the countless other Filipinos anticipating this fight.
When the bell rang, and the fight began, Pacquiao's quick footwork, dodging, and punches to Oscar's face proved early on in the 12 rounds that the advantage was in Manny's favor. With each round, the 'Pacman' would step up his game, leaving De La Hoya looking for an opening. Would De La Hoya surprise Manny and strike back even harder? He surprised us alright, just not the way people expected.
Saturday night watching the fight at Library Square Pub was an awesome experience. Lots of Pacquiao fans were in attendance, but the place was no surprise divided with fans of the opposing fighter. Soon though, these Oscar fans were silenced, as Manny dominated, destroying De La Hoya with hits to the face, and combos to the body. Before the ninth round, Oscar gives up, with a busted face, and the lack of desire to continue. The pub went wild. The Golden Boy gave up.
Sure he was taller, had a longer reach, and much more experience under his belt, but that didn't mean a more eager fighter couldn't compete. Compete he did, and he won. Freddie Roach trained the Pacman well.
PUMPED UP for the FIGHT!
I'm totally stoked for the upcoming boxing match between the Pacman, and Hoya Dec 6th. It's something that's exciting on so many levels, getting fans of both fighters -- many of whom are of Filipino and Mexican backgrounds -- all fired up for the competition. Though this shouldn't be a battle that's boiled down to something that's as absurd as racial 'superiority', this is a fight about the fighters skills, abilities, and strategy. Yet, it's hard not to feel a little overwhelmed with pride for the country that the boxers represent. And being Filipino myself, (but never having lived in the Philippines), I can still feel that vibe, that strong passion for the country and seeing a fellow Filipino blazing a trail of success with his fists, on the world stage. It's something to feel proud of. Can I get a wha wha, Filiiipiiinos?!
Latimes.com has some good articles and video, about the upcoming fight, including interviews with the two fighters. Check it out.
I predict that this statue will mark Oscar De La Hoya's demise. That Hollywood smile is gonna be needing some porcelain veneers.
If Manny wins, he should star in a Wii Boxing/Punch-Out! commercial or something.
